2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class First Look

No car has been more photographed in the last couple of years than the camouflaged next-generation Mercedes S-Class sedan. We knew the W221 (actually, V221, as the "V" designates the long-wheelbase version shipped to North America) would be bigger and bolder, with a Maybach rump that rivals the BMW 7 Series's tail in its prominence. But the large creased and flared fenders are a surprise. They were well hidden under spy-car camouflage and will remind you of a Mitsubishi Endeavor or outgoing-generation Eclipse.

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Making its September debut at the Frankfurt auto show, the S launches in Europe shortly after. The U.S. gets it last, in January, along with right-hand-drive Japan-bound models. Wheelbase of the V221 is 2.5 inches longer than the current car's, and overall length is up 1.5 inches. Wheels are 18-inch standard, 19-inch optional, with 20s for the upcoming 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V-8 S63 AMG. The S63 launches next May with 507 horsepower (in European trim) and 516 pound-feet of torque (AMG also plans a C63, E63, CLK63, M63, and R63). Mercedes hints that even more power is on the way when it breathes on the engine with turbo or supercharging. With V-6s and turbodiesels for Europe, the U.S. gets only V-8s and V-12s. The engine at launch is a new four-valve 5.5-liter V-8, rated 388 horses and 396 pound-feet. At the tail of the outgoing car's run, Mercedes is selling short-wheelbase, 3.7-liter V-6-powered S350s in the U.S., with prices starting in the mid-$60s. If this goes over well, Mercedes may bring us the W221 with the new 268-horse, 3.5-liter V-6.